I'm sure many residents will have seen the post on Haddenham dotNet Facebook about the vandalised bench at the Airfield over the Bank Holiday weekend. Here's a formal response from Scout & Guide Leaders.
On behalf of the village Scouting and Guiding leaders and the Haddenham Association of Scouts and Guides, we are writing to express our sadness and disappointment about the vandalism of "our" bench on the Airfield over the Bank Holiday weekend. In November 2022,
Richard Lay organised a Gang Show in the Village Hall at which the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and adult leaders performed for the enjoyment of parents and friends.
It was collectively decided to use the funds raised to buy and install a bench at Haddenham Airfield. This was installed in July 2023 (see photo) and we were all so proud and pleased to be able to donate this as a gift to the community. We often walk around the Airfield and know that it is well used and appreciated, so it's a huge shock that it has been destroyed (see photo).
Scouting and Guiding groups have been led by volunteers in Haddenham for 50 years and they exist to provide a safe space for our young people, to enable them to learn new skills and above all to do their best, help others and to serve the community.
In addition, the units and Association supports and volunteers at many community events such as the Remembrance Service, Maypole, Village Fete, Open Gardens, litter picking, our annual charity Scarecrow Festival and many more. These are all activities run by the community for the benefit of the community.
We would like to continue this voluntary service and we would not wish an act of destruction to deter or demoralise the young people we exist to support.
We are aware that sadly this could happen again, but we would like to be positive and try to make it right. If anyone feels able to help in any practical way towards replacing the bench, please get in touch with us.......a small cake sale, foregoing one coffee and donating the cost of the drink, going on a local sponsored walk, selling a few spare plants or second hand books, every penny would be hugely appreciated. If we raise more than we need, we will ensure this is invested back into the community.
Please contact us by email at: scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com
Thank you
Francesca Flaxton and Richard Kendall
Haddenham Association of Scouts and Guides
26th August 2025
